Sir Patrick Stewart has died at his home in Los Angeles following a battle with Alzheimer's disease, prompting tributes from fellow actors and public figures. He was 84.
Sir Ian McKellen led the tributes, calling him "the most respected and beloved actor of his generation". Sir Ian, who shared a long friendship with Sir Patrick, said the actor "was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire".
Tributes from McKellen and Star Trek co-stars
In a statement posted to social media, Sir Ian said: "You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt. Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love."
Sir Ian recalled cautioning Sir Patrick against starring in science fiction, writing: "'But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to risk—getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?'" He added that Sir Patrick "took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did", noting his success in film and theatre, including the X-Men franchise and classical plays at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London's West End, and on Broadway.
Sir Ian said Sir Patrick "never forsook his origins", describing his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire as "the proudest achievement" of his career.
William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, posted on social media: "Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed."
LeVar Burton, who played Geordi La Forge on Star Trek, described Sir Patrick as "family", saying: "There is no other context in which to hold him that makes sense. I am lucky to have known and loved so many of the facets of a soul so rich in talent and generous of heart. Of all the Dames and Knights I've known he was deep down-the silliest."
Dame Harriet Walter and Hugh Jackman pay tribute
Dame Harriet Walter, a longtime friend who met Sir Patrick at Stratford-upon-Avon in the early 1980s, told BBC Newsnight she "can't really imagine a world without him". She said: "It's like a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest. I've never heard a bad word against him. And I think the world's going to be very poor without him."
Sir Patrick's X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman posted two photos of them together on Instagram, saying: "We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days."
Political and football tributes
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "From Shakespeare to Star Trek, he boldly went where few had gone before, and took millions of us with him. He never forgot his roots, nor did he shy away from using his voice to stand up for others, particularly those affected by domestic violence. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
Huddersfield Town football club, which Sir Patrick supported throughout his life, said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of his death. The club posted on X: "A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on. Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we're proud to have counted him as one of our own. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier."
Marvel Studios, which has owned the rights to X-Men since 2019, described the actor as "a true gentleman" in a social media statement, noting that Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life "with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity", from X-Men to Logan to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Sir Patrick's final film, Avengers: Doomsday, is scheduled for release in December.
